Junior Achievement of AbileneJunior Achievement of AbileneJA Leaders Named Among Abilene's 20 Under 40Evan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/ja-leaders-named-among-abilene-s-20-under-402017-11-13T21:35:00Z2017-11-13T21:16:44Z<p>
In its tenth year, Abilene's 20 Under 40 program (a partnership between Abilene Reporter-News and Abilene Young Professionals) named the Class of 2017.</p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.reporternews.com/story/money/business/2017/11/13/20-under-40-class-2017/858840001/"><img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/4937656/0/Class+of+2017+-+Abilene%27s+20+Under+40/32da65e9-9672-41e2-83c7-82aae935634a?t=1510606447000" style="width: 700px; height: 700px;" /></a></p>
<p>
From the ARN's 20 Under 40 Special Edition: "Abilene Young Professionals (AYP), a program of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to partner with the Abilene Reporter-News on their 20 Under 40 program. This prestigious program recognizes civic-minded individuals who have demonstrated leadership skills both professionally and personally. Through this partnership, AYP hopes to recognize the talented upcoming leaders in the Abilene area while continuing to attract, retain, and engage young professionals."</p>
<p>
Among the many well-deserved young professionals listed as honorees were: JA Abilene's Board Chairman <a href="http://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2017/11/13/name-mike-fernandez-age-35-business-texas-national-bank-job-title-executive-vice-president-chief-fin/792926001/"><strong>Mike Fernandez</strong></a>, Vice-Chairman <a href="http://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2017/11/13/20-under-40-david-pittman-milsoft-utility-solutions/797944001/"><strong>David Pittman</strong></a>, and Executive Director <a href="http://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2017/11/13/20-under-40-evan-simmons-junior-achievement-abilene/792932001/"><strong>Evan Simmons</strong></a>.&nbsp;</p>Evan Simmons2017-11-13T21:16:44Z2017 JA Breakfast - A Major Success!Evan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/2017-ja-breakfast-a-major-success-2017-11-07T18:03:14Z2017-11-07T17:25:44Z<p style="text-align: justify;">
Each year, local Junior Achievement advocates and board members host their peers and request personal financial support for Junior Achievement programs in the Big Country. Each year, guests of the JA Breakfast show up increasingly more generous! This year marks the highest revenue mark from the event. Thank you to the generous donors who have helped us raise more than $55,000 in the one-hour event.</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/4937656/0/JA+Breakfast/73ffaf7a-3339-4176-8644-f9856e2ace10?t=1510075162000" style="width: 700px; height: 467px;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Held on October 31, Hendrick Health Systems hosted and presented the 7th Annual JA Breakfast. In the spirit of Halloween, students from Lee Elementary School dressed in the uniform donned by the professionals in their hopeful future careers. Pictured above are two representatives from Lee Elementary interviewing the Abilene City Manager - Robert Hanna - during the JA Breakfast program. It would be an understatement to say that these two bright young ladies "stole the show."</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/4937656/0/Misti+Collier+and+Sawyer+Moss/e8cb532d-29f6-4167-8375-5a73a58d9c0a?t=1510075354000" style="width: 300px; height: 450px; float: left; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;" />Pictured left - The rest of the program was emceed by Sawyer Moss (6th grade student at Mann Middle School) and Misti Collier (JA Board Member and Mortgage Officer at Abilene Mortgage Center). The emphasis of this year's JA Breakfast was on helping the guests Imagine a Brighter Future for local students. Sawyer told personal impact stories of how Junior Achievement has better prepared him in two of the organization's three pillars of content: financial literacy and work readiness. First, Sawyer shared with the audience his "Spend - Share - Save" Box that he and younger brother Asher utilize to manage their allowance and other financial earnings. This is an implementation of money management tools learned in several of the JA programs Sawyer and Asher have completed while in elementary school. Second, Sawyer told the audience that would like to be a Sports Commentator when he grows up. JA helps students dream about their potential careers. But it is also in our mission to prepare them to accomplish those dreams.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/4937656/0/Jakayla+Dixon+-+JA+Breakfast+2017/e871ac4d-6ff1-4122-9318-892ddbd13690?t=1510075414000" style="width: 700px; height: 467px;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
JA's final content pillar - Entrepreneurship - was highlighted inspirationally by JA Fort Worth student Jakayla Dixon. Jakayla is a sophomore at Eaton High School Business Academy in Northwest ISD and is the President and CEO of JA Company <em>Feel the Color</em>. <em>Feel the Color&nbsp;</em>is a company that creates embroidered fabric tags with braille, alphabet lettering, and symbols . This enables the visually impaired to determine the color of their clothes by literally <em>feeling the color</em> of the tag that is in their clothing. <em>Feel the Color</em> provides the visually impaired people with independence and confidence! Inspired by her Aunt Cynthia, Jakayla's aspirations for <em>Feel the Color</em>&nbsp;is that designers will want these tags in their clothes and that she will be able to secure government contracts to provide those with visual impairments who live in low income settings the opportunity to accomplish a simple daily task at a low cost price. She hopes that <em>Feel the Color</em> will be used for the visually impaired around the world. The goal is to see the visually impaired conquer all aspects of getting dressed in the morning and know that their outfits are well coordinated and that they look good.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
If you would like to hear from Jakayla yourself, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPct9Tm4hGY&amp;feature=youtu.be&amp;t=2h29m34s">check out this video from PBS' American Graduate Day 2017</a> special which aired earlier in October.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Ultimately, the 2017 JA Breakfast was a major success both in (1) telling the JA story and (2) encouraging local friends and colleagues to financially support JA.</p>Evan Simmons2017-11-07T17:25:44ZCalling All JA Volunteers!Evan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/calling-all-ja-volunteers-2017-11-07T18:59:56Z2017-11-07T18:53:37Z<p>
School is officially back in session all around the Big Country. For Junior Achievement, that means that we are only a couple of weeks away from implementing JA Programs in approximately 350 classrooms around the Big Country. <a href="http://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/entertainment/ktab-4u/junior-achievement-seeks-volunteers/798479314">Discussing the need for JA volunteers on KTAB 4U</a> are local JA students and JA Executive Director, Evan Simmons:</p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/entertainment/ktab-4u/junior-achievement-seeks-volunteers/798479314" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/4937656/0/JA+on+KTAB4U/a8a21e97-5469-47bb-baee-44a62c9eeb0d?t=1510080749837" style="width: 750px; height: 422px;" /></a></p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.allforgood.org/organization/junior-achievement-of-abilene">Click here for a full list of upcoming JA volunteer opportunities.</a></p>Evan Simmons2017-11-07T18:53:37ZJA Abilene Executive Director Receives National JA HonorEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/ja-abilene-executive-director-receives-national-ja-honor2017-11-07T18:51:05Z2017-11-07T16:46:04Z<p style="text-align: justify;">
Junior Achievement USA recognizes four associates each year who have shown leadership within their JA community and performed their duties at the highest level, awarding them with the annual Rising Star Award.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/4937656/0/Evan+Simmons+and+Jack+Kosakowski/e80a3304-f545-4a2b-a6a9-8b7fbd417982?t=1510073031028" style="width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Evan Simmons, Executive Director for JA of Abilene, was presented the 2017 JA Rising Star Award in Denver, Colorado last week from Junior Achievement USA's President, Jack Kosakowski.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
The Rising Star Award is given to staff members across the country who are emerging leaders within the organization, and who demonstrate outstanding, measurable success in executing their responsibilities. The award was created in 2004.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Nominations are submitted by Junior Achievement (JA) local area office presidents across the country. Four award recipients are selected by a panel comprised of Junior Achievement USA® executives and operations staff.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Evan was selected for receiving this award due to the fact that JA Abilene has experienced a 78% revenue increase, 35% program increase, added several new initiatives (including the Board of Trustees), and has given Junior Achievement a broader presence in the community.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Local JA Board Chairperson, Mike Fernandez (Texas National Bank), says this about Evan's recognition: "JA USA has acknowledged something those of us involved with JA Abilene have&nbsp; known for a long time – that Evan is an incredible asset to the JA organization! There are 1,600 JA professionals across the country who are eligible for this award – and we have the very best!"</p>Evan Simmons2017-11-07T16:46:04ZJA Abilene Awards $104,000 in ScholarshipsEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/ja-abilene-awards-104-000-in-scholarships2017-05-25T17:59:35Z2017-05-25T17:36:09Z<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/2017+JA+Scholarship+Recipients/39fc7eaa-931e-48cf-affd-1903c055d136?t=1495733718996" style="width: 690px; height: 460px;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size:12px;"><cite>Pictured Left to Right in back two rows: Ashlynn Smart, Karson Tutt, Emma Dantzler, Sterling Fahey, Karina Hau, Mikayla Condra, Kari Brokovich, Shelbie Dawson, Kaitlyn Harris, Derryck Peters, Nolan Burke, Luke Quinney</cite></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size:12px;"><cite>Pictured Left to Right kneeling in front: Evan Simmons (JA Executive Director), Chandler Smith, River Young, Dakota Fannin, Justin Moss (JA Board of Directors Chair)</cite></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size:12px;"><cite>Not Pictured: Olivia Montgomery &amp; Julianna Mouat</cite></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 132, 77); font-size: 18px;">19 Big Country Students Awarded $104,000 in JA Scholarships</span></strong></p>
<p>
Junior Achievement of Abilene is proud to announce the awarding of nineteen four-year scholarships to benefit area high school seniors pursuing higher education. With a combined value of $104,000, the scholarships were made possible through partnerships with <a href="http://www.acu.edu"><strong>Abilene Christian University</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.hsutx.edu/"><strong>Hardin Simmons University</strong></a>, <a href="http://ww2.mcm.edu/"><strong>M<sup>c</sup>Murry University</strong></a>, and the Willie I., Wanda, W.F. Martin Charitable Trust Fund managed by <a href="https://www.ffin.com/ffb-trust-wealth-management-services"><strong>First Financial Trust &amp; Asset Management Company</strong></a>.</p>
<p>
Junior Achievement’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people for success. One way we at JA provide the opportunity for area high school seniors who have completed a Junior Achievement program while in high school is to apply for a scholarship. Over 100 students began our application process in 2017, nearly 30 advanced to an interview process with a scholarship selection committee, and nineteen recipients were selected.</p>
<p>
Congratulations to all of our recipients!</p>
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 36.75pt;">
A $10,000 award to <strong>Abilene Christian University</strong> in the form of a JA Scholarship provided by ACU:</li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
<strong>Nolan Burke</strong> – <a href="http://schools.jimned.esc14.net/default.aspx?name=jnhs.home">Jim Ned High School</a></li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
<strong>Noah Pruitt</strong> – <a href="https://www.abileneisd.org/abilenehs">Abilene High School</a></li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
<strong>Karson Tutt</strong> – Jim Ned High School</li>
<li style="margin-left: 36.75pt;">
A $6,000 award to <strong>Hardin Simmons University</strong> in the form of a JA Scholarship provided by HSU:</li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
<strong>Emma Dantzler</strong> – <a href="https://www.abileneisd.org/Domain/189">Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math &amp; Science (ATEMS)</a></li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
<strong>Karina Hau</strong> – Abilene High School</li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
<strong>Olivia Montgomery</strong> – <a href="https://www.abileneisd.org/Domain/81">Cooper High School</a></li>
<li style="margin-left: 36.75pt;">
A $6,000 award to <strong>McMurry University</strong> in the form of a JA Scholarship provided by MCM:</li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
<strong>Shelbie Dawson</strong> – <a href="http://www.eulaisd.us/highschool.htm">Eula High School</a></li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
<strong>Dakota Fannin</strong> – <a href="http://www.bairdisd.net/">Baird High School</a></li>
<li style="margin-left: 36.75pt;">
A $4,000 award applicable to any college or university through the <strong>Willie I., Wanda, &amp; W.F. Martin Charitable Trust Fund</strong> managed by First Financial Trust &amp; Asset Management Company:</li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
Kari Brokovich – Cooper High School&nbsp;</li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
Mikayla Condra – <a href="http://www.abilenechristian.com/">Abilene Christian High School</a></li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
Sterling Fahey – Cooper High School</li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
Kaitlyn Harris – Cooper High School</li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
Amanda Hernandez – Abilene Christian High School</li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
Julianna Mouat – Abilene High School</li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
Derryck Peters – Abilene High School</li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
Luke Quinney – Jim Ned High School</li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
Ashlynn Smart – <a href="http://www.clyde.esc14.net/">Clyde High School</a></li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
Chandler Smith – Jim Ned High School</li>
<li style="margin-left: 1in;">
River Young – Cooper High School</li>
</ul>
<p>
JA Abilene's Executive Director Evan Simmons says, “Junior Achievement of Abilene is pleased to have awarded these scholarships to the deserving Big Country students. These latest scholarships demonstrate our continued commitment to preparing today’s youth with the skills and knowledge they need today in order to succeed later in life."&nbsp;</p>
<p>
<strong>About Junior Achievement of Abilene (JA)</strong></p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.ja.org">Junior Achievement</a> is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers that provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Since 1983, JA of Abilene has served over 130,000 students in the Big Country including over 6,500 students in 325 classrooms during the 2016-2017 school year.</p>Evan Simmons2017-05-25T17:36:09Z2017 JA Business Hall of FameEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/2017-ja-business-hall-of-fame2017-03-23T01:27:59Z2017-03-23T00:22:56Z<p style="text-align: justify;">
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/JA+Business+HOF+2017+logo/95de7a36-1229-4e2c-aae5-5cbb0e950d51?t=1490228690690" style="width: 600px; height: 454px;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
What makes a community or organization special is very rarely its product, but the people who help produce the culture at the heart of that community. Junior Achievement is honored to host the bi-annuel&nbsp;JA Business Hall of Fame celebration dinner in order to thank and honor the leaders in our community who deserve recognition for outstanding leadership of our business community and, therefore, have improved our community, as welll.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
The purpose of the JA Business Hall of Fame was accomplished in a very fun "country" fashion at Celebration Hall on the Silverado. As we aim to celebrate the laureates for their exceptional leadership, the atmosphere for the entire evening felt like a party ... truly celebrating the laureates and their families.&nbsp;Each laureate received a commemorative bronze, a stetson hat (we did hold the event in a barn!), and a custom hat box.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
We cannot thank each laureate enough for their support of Junior Achievement, their organizations, and our community.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Ultimately, this event raised over $90,000 to the benefit of Junior Achievement of Abilene!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Tim Lancaster</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Tim+Lancaster/220caaae-1c5a-4f82-b90d-7a7d3aabb5eb?t=1490229403279" style="width: 300px; height: 200px; margin-right: 5px; margin-left: 5px; float: left;" />Tim Lancaster is the President and CEO of Hendrick Health System. <font color="#000000" size="3">The healthcare system includes a 500 bed medical center and employs over 3,000 people. </font></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<font color="#000000" size="3">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">He has implemented strategies to give employees and citizens of Abilene the opportunity to grow from entry level positions to highly skilled, professional positions while creating a world class work environment. He leads others by example and is an advocate for giving young professionals in Abilene opportunities for greater leadership opportunities and community involvement.</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">&nbsp;</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">Tim has been instrumental in helping bring the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center to Abilene which includes the Schools of Pharmacy, Nursing and Public Health. </font><font color="#000000" size="3">These educational institutions enable hundreds of students each year the opportunity to learn and grow in their professions, with the hopes of keeping these individuals employed in Abilene.</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">&nbsp;</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">Tim was also supportive and integral in bringing the concept of a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) to Abilene as ours was the largest community in the state without one.</font><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">&nbsp; </font></span><font color="#000000" size="3">The creation of this facility in Abilene provides easier access to healthcare for some of our city’s most vulnerable populations.</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">&nbsp;</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">He is active in community service and is past board chair of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Board of Abilene Industrial Foundation and First Financial Bank Shares. </font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">&nbsp;</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">He was appointed by Governor Perry in 2013 to serve on the Texas Tech University Board of Regents and was recently appointed to the role of Vice-Chair.</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">&nbsp;</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">Tim is past chair of the Texas Hospital Association, past chair of the Texas Association of Voluntary Hospitals, current chair of the Texas Purchasing Coalition, and current chair of Lt. Governor Patrick’s Advisory Committee on Healthcare.</font><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">&nbsp; </font></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<font color="#000000" size="3">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<font color="#000000" size="3">Tim and his wife, Regina, have two sons: Chad and daughter in law Lyndsay and Chris and daughter in law Meredith.</font><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="3">&nbsp; </font></span><font color="#000000" size="3">They have four grandsons Jack, Jett, Shepherd and Hooper.</font></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<strong>Wesley Smith</strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0px;">
<br />
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Wesley+Smith/3eca498c-49e3-453f-a701-55f05658ac6a?t=1490230112035" style="width: 300px; height: 200px; margin-right: 5px; margin-left: 5px; float: left;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Wesley Smith is the owner of Chick fil A - North Abilene. Wesley is very engaged in the community, specifically related to the Abilene Chamber of Commerce (Business EXPO , Business Council, Military Affairs Committee, and Leadership programs), serves on mulitple leadership boards (Communities in Schools, West Texas Rehab, Goodwill, Friends of the Library, and United Way), and serves as a regular JA volunteer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Wesley's energy and involvement are all-encompassing. What makes Wesley stand out is his effort and intentionality. Nobody can say that Wesley's goes half-way because when he's committed, he's 100% engaged.&nbsp;He is “all in” for his employees, “all in” for his customers, and “all in” for his community. He has found ways to give to each of these three audiences simply to show that he cared. Wesley was listed as one of Abilene’s 20 under 40 in 2008 and was named the recipient of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Award in 2016. Not to mention, he was the Best Dressed Rodeo Man in the 3rd grade at Bowie Elementary.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Wesley is the dad of Daisy (9) and Fletcher (6).</p>
<p>
<strong>Kirk and Kristi Thaxton</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Kirk+%26+Kristi+Thaxton/f3f084eb-849c-46f6-9c42-8640d7f2789d?t=1490231473561" style="width: 300px; height: 200px; margin-right: 5px; margin-left: 5px; float: left;" />Kirk Thaxton is the President and CEO of First Financial Trust &amp; Asset Management Company. Kristi Thaxton is an Exceptional Funds Officer with Abilene Christian University.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Professionally, Kirk and Kristi are known to be leaders by example in their fields. Doing their job the right way and leading others in the same direction is natural to them. They are the type of people who people want to immolate. With over 30 years at First Financial for Kirk and over 20 years at Abilene Christian University for Kristi, longevity, loyalty, and consistency are found in their successful careers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Kirk and Kristi are very committed to making Abilene better than they found it. Over fifteen organizations including emphasis in civic leadership, business, arts, education, youth sports, and community development have benefited from Kirk and Kristi’s involvement. One thing many people may not know is that Junior Achievement has known very few years without the leadership of one of the Thaxtons. Since JA’s inception in 1983, Kirk OR Kristi have served on one of the JA leadership boards for all but five years. In other words, for 29 of JA’s 34 year history in Abilene, either Kirk or Kristi have been formally involved in a leadership role in empowering Abilene’s young people for success.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
And this is not uncommon for the Thaxton's.&nbsp;For the past 34 years Kirk and Kristi have been supporting the other in whatever they are involved. Through this process, many people have considered Kirk and Kristi the ultimate team due to their commitment and sincere interest in one another. Their involvement in the lives of their three children (Matt, Kyle, and Kaitlin), their involvement in their community, and their commitment to their organizations has all been completed with the support and partnership with the other.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/jaabilene/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=1344747588915535">Look at the 2017 JA Business Hall of Fame photo album here.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b><i></i></p>Evan Simmons2017-03-23T00:22:56ZReverse JA in a Day @ Hendrick Medical CenterEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/reverse-ja-in-a-day-hendrick-medical-center2017-11-07T19:01:10Z2016-09-28T18:36:40Z<p style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/JA+%40%20Hendrick/b560b8d6-8746-4094-a0f7-8beb279db153?t=1475089853502" style="width: 700px; height: 261px;" /></p>
<p style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
Hendrick Medical Center (Abilene) hosted nearly 50 students from Abilene ISD's Holland Medical Early College High School with their members of their faculty and administration during school hours on Monday, September 26. Students learned career preparation skills specifically tailored to the healthcare field. In addition, they learned the necessary of how to look for a job, get hired, and keep a job. Finally, they learned important 21st century skills we call the 4 Cs: communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. These lessons are part of the JA Career Success curriculum. The curriculum was taught by Hendrick employees throughout the day.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
In addition to the JA program material, students were welcomed to the hospital by Hendrick President &amp; CEO Tim Lancaster and Abilene Mayor (and Hendrick VP) Noarm Archibald, treated to a tour of the facility led by Hend, and access to a Q&amp;A session with Hendrick employees at lunch.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
Major takeaways from the day were:</p>
<ul>
<li style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
Healthcare is not going away</li>
<li style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
Technical skills can me an interview, but strong "Soft Skills" will get me the job</li>
<li style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
A LOT of career options in healthcare</li>
<li style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
Every department must work together / Collaboration is important</li>
<li style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
Tour was very insightful</li>
<li style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
Interaction with Hendrick Professionals was very positive</li>
<li style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
JA inspired me to continue pursuing a career in healthcare</li>
<li style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
JA sessions prepared me to be successful</li>
<li style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
"I want to work at Hendrick"</li>
<li style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
Abilene is a good option for a career in healthcare</li>
</ul>
<p>
<span style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);"></span></p>
<p id="aui_3_4_0_1_1135" style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
Hendrick plans to host underclassmen from Holland Medical Early College High School later in the school year.</p>
<p style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85);">
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="438" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F759811010735108%2Fvideos%2F1150347451681460%2F&amp;show_text=1&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe></p>Evan Simmons2016-09-28T18:36:40ZJA Awards $102,000 to 18 Big Country StudentsEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/ja-awards-102-000-to-18-big-country-students2016-06-01T20:20:05Z2016-06-01T19:27:18Z<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/JA16-001.jpg/6308d049-2bbb-4800-941b-ef583bb9793a?t=1464808990000" style="float: left; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; width: 150px; height: 225px;" /><strong>JA inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>
<span style="line-height: 1.42857;">One way we reach this mission is through local professionals teaching economic education through partnerships with local schools. This school year, 6,228 Big Country students completed a JA program rooted in financial literacy, work readiness, or entrepreneurship.</span></p>
<p>
Another way we choose to obtain this mission is by providing scholarships to area students. <strong>In 2016, JA awarded $102,000 to 18 deserving students from the Big Country</strong>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Read below to see the partnering organizations who provide the scholarships and the students who received them.</p>
<p>
<strong><img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/JA16-063.jpg/aeecdd83-ec7b-471e-8524-9b241206c152?t=1464808991000" style="width: 300px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; height: 200px; float: right;" />Abilene Christian University</strong><br />
<em>Each recipient will receive $10,000 to ACU</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Lorenzo Ellis</strong>, Abilene High School</li>
<li>
<strong>Katlyn Gosch</strong>, Brownwood High Schol (not pictured)</li>
<li>
<strong>David Guerra</strong>, Jim Ned High School</li>
</ul>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
<strong><img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/JA16-066.jpg/3b0a03b8-0977-41f1-807c-06d0125755a0?t=1464809186000" style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 200px;" />Hardin Simmons University</strong><br />
<em>Each recipient will receive $6,000 to HSU</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Tyler Bradshaw</strong>, Jim Ned High School (not pictured)</li>
<li>
<strong style="line-height: 1.42857;">Kayla Oakeley</strong><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">, Wylie High School</span></li>
<li>
<strong>Claire Shuler</strong>, Wylie High School</li>
<li>
<strong>Morgan Zett</strong>, Wylie High School</li>
</ul>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
<strong>Martin Charitable Trust Fund managed by First Financial Trust &amp; Asset Management Company </strong><em>- Each student receives $4,000 to any university<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/JA16-072.jpg/9b036a13-4910-4116-a024-354f3cdd1502?t=1464808991000" style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right; width: 300px; height: 200px;" /></em></p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Reese Cook,</strong> Jim Ned High School (Texas Tech - not pictured)</li>
<li>
<strong>Owen Crawford</strong>, Jim Ned High School (Texas Tech - not pictured)</li>
<li>
<strong>Will Doty</strong>, Jim Ned High School (Texas A&amp;M)</li>
<li>
<strong>Jayton Evans</strong>, Cooper High School (Georgia Tech)</li>
<li>
<strong>Shelby Irwin</strong>, Abilene High School (Trinity University)</li>
<li>
<strong>Ashleigh Jiminez</strong>, Sweetwater High School (Texas Tech)</li>
<li>
<strong>Kelsey LaBrenz</strong>, Cooper High School (Texas A&amp;M)</li>
<li>
<strong>Andrew Lynch</strong>, Wylie High School (Texas Tech)</li>
<li>
<strong>Holly Pettijohn</strong>, Abilene High School (Harding University)</li>
</ul>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>
<p>
<strong style="line-height: 1.42857;">McMurry University</strong><br />
<em style="line-height: 1.42857;">Each recipient will receive $6,000 to McM</em><img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/JA16-067.jpg/2609a652-146d-4bda-b4f9-7b928246a088?t=1464808991000" style="font-weight: bold; width: 300px; height: 450px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right;" /></p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Neah Garza</strong>, Cooper High School (not pictured)</li>
<li>
<strong style="line-height: 1.42857;">Jason Williams</strong><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">, Wylie High School</span></li>
</ul>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>Evan Simmons2016-06-01T19:27:18Z2015 - 2016 JA Educator of the Year - Leslye RobertsEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/2015-2016-ja-educator-of-the-year-leslye-roberts2016-05-27T02:47:06Z2016-05-27T02:03:44Z<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Leslye+Roberts/ca3553ae-3a71-4f8a-bbbe-c52f3ff94644?t=1464314564496" style="width: 350px; height: 234px; margin-right: 5px; margin-left: 5px; float: left;" />We all have educators who inspired and prepared us to become better people than we were before meeting them. For some, it's a coach, others a music instructor, and classroom instructors affect us all. Sometimes, however, the counselors and administrators don't get recognized due to the nature of a job that isn't on the front lines of education. In the case of selecting the JA Educator of the Year, it was easy to see the impact of the Instruction Coordinator at <a href="http://abileneisd.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=1">Abilene ISD</a>'s <a href="http://abileneisd.org/Domain/632">Lee Elementary School</a>.</p>
<p>
Leslye Roberts is not in the classroom each day anymore now that she is no longer a teacher, but now affects a larger number of students in her role as the campus' Instruction Coordinator. Leslye also served as the campus' JA Coordinator. Leslye took it upon herself to study the correlations between the JA programs and state standards for each grade level (K through 5th), compare this to the time on the calendar scheduled to teach their financial literacy curriculum, and chose to place the JA in a Day at Lee Elementary School square in the middle of the Spring semester to raise the students' awareness and ability to comprehend financial literacy components.</p>
<p>
The relationship between JA and Lee Elementary School began a year ago when JA of Abilene received a $13,000 grant from the Dian Graves Owen Foundation to increase JA programs in AISD's lower income elementary schools. After a thorough selection process, Lee was chosen to be the most recent school added to the JA program mix.</p>
<p>
Leslye scheduled an in-person training for each teacher by JA staff, allowed JA staff to present at an in-service meeting, helped JA personel each step of the way, encouraged students and teachers to anticipate the JA experience, and collected same-day thank you cards from each student for their volunteer to receive. Leslye went above and beyond to make Junior Achievement as effective as possible. Leslye chose to inspire and prepare the students at Lee Elementary School to be successful young people.</p>
<p>
If you are an educator and would like to see JA at your school, <a href="https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/request-a-program">let us know</a>.</p>Evan Simmons2016-05-27T02:03:44Z2015 - 2016 JA Volunteer of the Year - Casjen RicoEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/2015-2016-ja-volunteer-of-the-year-casjen-rico2016-05-25T20:18:14Z2016-05-25T19:58:39Z<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Casjen+Rico/bdeae534-5627-4c92-92b4-f47e469d5b96?t=1464205736105" style="width: 350px; height: 234px; margin-right: 3px; margin-left: 3px; float: left;" />226 adults volunteered in the 2015 - 2016 school year with over 6,200 students in the public school classrooms of&nbsp;8 Big Country school districts by teaching Junior Achievement’s principles of work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. By sharing their personal and professional experiences and skills with students, volunteers help students understand the skills they will need to succeed in life and proactively manage their finances. The dynamic interaction between the volunteers and students in the classroom is what sets Junior Achievement curriculum apart from others as the information is brought to life.</p>
<p>
What separates one volunteer from another ... or, in this case, the other 225?</p>
<p>
Selecting a JA Volunteer of the Year is a difficult process because each one brings special and unique qualities and attributes to the classroom. 63 volunteers had been in 2 or more classrooms this school year. And many give to JA in more ways than their time.</p>
<p>
In 2015 - 2016, <strong>Casjen Rico </strong>(pronounced Cash -&nbsp;In)&nbsp;- a Credit Analyst with <a href="http://www.ffin.com">First Financial Bank&nbsp;</a>- volunteered in 6 classrooms. S-I-X CLASSROOMS in ONE year! Casjen volunteered at <a href="http://www.wyliebulldogs.org">Wylie Intermediate School</a>, <a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/Domain/632">Lee Elementary School</a>, <a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/Domain/81">Cooper High School </a>(once each semester), and was integral in both <a href="https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/blog/-/blogs/ahs-students-visit-first-financial-bank-with-ja?_33_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.juniorachievement.org%2Fweb%2Fja-abilene%2Fblog%3Fp_p_id%3D33%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dja-column-right%26p_p_col_count%3D1">Reverse JA in a Day programs at First Financial Bank</a>.</p>
<p>
Upon being asked about what keeps him going back to volunteer time and time again, Casjen shared, “Actually, my first JA session was a terrible experience. I came back to work and told my boss that I didn't want to go back. But, of course, I did. Each week, I felt like I was wasting my time because the students acted like they didn't care about what we were doing. But, by the last session (of 5), I could tell that it was an 'act' for their friends because I really struggled to find a recap question from the program that they didn't remember the answer. They captured the important peices of learning personal finance! That last session will keep me going back into JA classrooms."</p>
<p>
Junior Achievement has so many amazing volunteers like Casjen!</p>
<p>
Ultimately, Junior Achievement strives to empower young people to own their future economic success. For as little as an hour per week (for 5-8 weeks), local volunteers can inspire and prepare young people to achieve their economic success in the Big Country! <a href="http://bit.ly/1C1INpN"><u><font color="#0066cc">Click here</font></u></a> to sign up to be contacted about volunteer opportunities through Junior Achievement of Abilene.</p>
<p>
&nbsp;</p>Evan Simmons2016-05-25T19:58:39ZAHS Students Visit First Financial Bank with JAEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/ahs-students-visit-first-financial-bank-with-ja2016-03-11T19:46:14Z2016-03-10T20:48:13Z<p style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/JA+at+FFB.JPG/5cc1f2eb-242f-469d-9b8e-d06cf9a7fcb9?t=1457642852908" style="width: 650px; height: 347px; margin: 5px;" /></p>
<p>
First Financial Bank in Downtown Abilene hosted 72 AP Government and Economics students from Abilene High School with their teachers during school hours on Tuesday, March 8. Students learned how to budget, plan for their futures, the importance of saving, how to avoid consumer debt, and how to be a savvy consumer. These lessons are part of the JA Personal Finance curriculum. The curriculum was taught by First Financial Bank employees and executives throughout the day.</p>
<p>
In addition to the JA program material, students were welcomed to the bank by Abilene area President Marelyn Shedd, treated to a tour of the facility (which included the Bank lobby, the vault, the Trust &amp; Asset Management Company, and the Executive Board Room - the students' favorite part of the tour), and access to a Q&amp;A session with a panel of First Financial employees with expertise in Equity &amp; Investments, Consumer Lending, and the Banking / Finance Industries.</p>
<p>
Major takeaways from the day were:</p>
<ul>
<li>
An increased awareness of how to budget and why budgeting / saving are important pracitices</li>
<li>
A better understanding of making good choices with debit / credit cards</li>
<li>
An increased awareness of selecting a major</li>
<li>
An appreciation of the finance industry</li>
<li>
An appreciation for a large corporate environment in Abilene</li>
<li>
A better understanding of how to access student loans</li>
</ul>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>
<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/jaabilene/posts/1039540262769604:0" data-width="500">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/jaabilene/posts/1039540262769604:0">
<p>
#JA students from Abilene High at First Financial Bank Texas in the Executive Board Room with SVP Clay Trumble.</p>
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jaabilene/">Junior Achievement of Abilene</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/jaabilene/posts/1039540262769604:0">Tuesday, March 8, 2016</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<p>
One student said this about her experience: "I've always thought I would study nursing. But after today, I am fascinated about the Finance Industry! This has been a very eye opening experience."</p>
<p>
Another student said his experience with the First Financial panel opened his eyes to how compound interest works and said, "I'm taking the advice from the Investments [expert] on the panel ... I'm going to invest the first $70 from my paycheck each week starting now. I never knew how important it was to save for retirement at this early of an age."</p>
<p>
Finally, one student gained a better appreciation for Abilene. His takeaway sounded like this: "I have already decided to be a Business Administration major. But I didn't know<em> this was in Abilene</em>. I mean, I knew First Financial was in Abilene, but I didn't know <em>that </em>was First Financial. I could definitely see myself working at a place like this!"</p>
<p>
First Financial Bank will host students from Cooper High School in early April.<br />
&nbsp;</p>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JuniorAchievement?src=hash">#JuniorAchievement</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JA?src=hash">#JA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yes?src=hash">#yes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JA_Abilene">@JA_Abilene</a> <a href="https://t.co/ysoCsVtShQ">pic.twitter.com/ysoCsVtShQ</a></p>
— Shelby Jane (@shelby_janee) <a href="https://twitter.com/shelby_janee/status/707296238719209472">March 8, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://www.juniorachievement.org//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Evan Simmons2016-03-10T20:48:13ZUnited Supermarkets Provide Major Volunteer Support for JA ClassroomsEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/united-supermarkets-provide-major-volunteer-support-for-ja-classrooms2019-01-14T18:13:15Z2016-03-01T16:03:19Z<p>
&nbsp;<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Derek+Orr+-+United/2c56781e-148a-4582-ba9b-103ffd58f9b0?t=1456849670733" style="width: 300px; height: 206px; float: left; margin: 3px;" /><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">The relationship between </span><a href="http://www.unitedsupermarkets.com" style="line-height: 1.42857;">United Supermarkets</a><span style="line-height: 1.42857;"> and Junior Achievement of Abilene is not a new one. United has provided financial support to events like the </span><a href="http://bit.ly/JAabiGOLF16" style="line-height: 1.42857;">JA Golf Classic</a><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">&nbsp;in each year of its existence and to programs in classrooms like the commitment they made by providing&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-usa/ja-programs?p_p_id=56_INSTANCE_abcd&amp;p_p_lifecycle=0&amp;p_p_state=maximized&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_col_id=ja-maincontent&amp;p_p_col_count=1&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_groupId=14516&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_articleId=1219187" style="font-size: 1em; font-weight: 700; line-height: 14px;">JA Personal Finance&nbsp;<span style="position: relative; font-size: 0.5em !important; line-height: 0 !important; vertical-align: top !important; top: 0.3em !important;">®</span>&nbsp;- Blended Model</a><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">&nbsp;to at least the next two years of 12</span><sup>th</sup><span style="line-height: 1.42857;"> grade students at </span><a href="http://www.brownwoodisd.org/domain/73" style="line-height: 1.42857;">Brownwood High School</a><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">. United has also been a major volunteer provider for JA programs in Abilene schools, as well.</span></p>
<p>
But the <a href="http://www.unitedtexas.com/our-community/ucrew">"U Crew"</a> (an organized group of United team members who serve alongside one another to meet the needs of the community) rose to new heights last week.</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Shelbi+Caroll+-+United/2217f95c-589b-41c5-9112-16b0fa634d0b?t=1456849579880" style="width: 300px; margin: 3px; float: right; height: 264px;" /></p>
<p>
In a week where the JA of Abilene office delivered or began 25% of the 2016 spring semester programs, the team from United Supermarkets provided 19 volunteers who filled 16 classrooms on 3 campuses (<a href="http://www.brownwoodisd.org/domain/73">Brownwood High School</a>, <a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/domain/632">Lee Elementary School</a>, &amp; <a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/Domain/315">Craig Middle School</a>) across 2 school districts. In addition to their classroom support, United also provided all of the refreshments for the volunteers at Lee Elementary School and surprised the classrooms hosted by United team members with additional snacks and treats!</p>
<p>
This impressive support in the form of quantity is only met by the consistent quality of the United personnel. Each team member has been prepared for their JA experience, innovative, and exciting for the kids.</p>
<p>
Without United, many students in Abilene and Brownwood would not have received JA programs in a very busy week for our office. Thank you!</p>
<p>
To join United as a volunteer, <a href="http://bit.ly/JAvolnow">please click here</a>.</p>
<p>
<em>Pictured Top Left: Derek Orr - United Supermarkets Service Manager at United Supermarkets on N. 10th &amp; Willis St - asks Lee Elementary 1st graders to guess a job title based on its description.</em></p>
<p>
<em>Pictured Bottom Right: Shelbi Carroll - United Supermarkets Assistant Service Manager at United Supermarkets on N. 10th &amp; Willis St - helps Lee Elementary Kindergarten students understand basic concepts of American currency and the principle of saving.</em></p>
<div>
&nbsp;</div>Evan Simmons2016-03-01T16:03:19ZJA at Lee Elementary SchoolEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/ja-at-lee-elementary-school2016-03-01T17:34:14Z2016-02-29T20:39:04Z<p id="fb-root">
<span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">In the spring of 2015, the Junior Achievement of Abilene Board of Directors established a goal: "Junior Achievement is going to lead a movement that will help students who attend elementary schools with a high population of economically disadvantaged students in Abilene ISD to learn how to build their own future."</span></span></p>
<p>
<span style="line-height: 1.42857;">The first manifestation toward achieving this lofty goal was to get on one such campus. Thanks to a grant from the <strong>Dian Graves Owen Foundation</strong>, Junior Achievement hosted JA in a Day at <a href="http://www.abileneisd.org">Abilene ISD</a>'s <a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/domain/632">Lee Elementary School</a> on Wednesday, February 24th. &nbsp;</span></p>
<div id="fb-root">
&nbsp;</div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>
<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/759811010735108/videos/974221799294027/" data-width="500">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/759811010735108/videos/974221799294027/">
<p>
I didn't get a chance to post it earlier this week, but I really enjoyed doing this story. Junior Achievement of Abilene is doing a great job teaching these kids what many adults don't even know about money!</p>
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ashley-Gooden-KTAB-759811010735108/">Ashley Gooden KTAB</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/759811010735108/videos/974221799294027/">Saturday, February 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<p>
Professionals from <a href="http://unitedsupermarkets.com">United Supermarkets</a>&nbsp;- N. 10th &amp; Willis, the <a href="http://www.abilenetx.com">City of Abilene</a>, <a href="http://www.abilenepolice.org">Abilene Police Department</a>, <a href="http://www.ffin.com">First Financial Bank</a>, <a href="http://www.abileneteachersfcu.org">Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union</a>, <a href="http://www.abilenedc.com">Abilene Diagnostic Clinic</a>, <a href="https://www.statefarm.com/agent/US/TX/Abilene/Joe-Walker-3GHZJ44J000">State Farm Insurance - Joe Walker</a>, <a href="http://www.abilenebgc.com">Boys and Girls Club of Abilene</a>, and <a href="http://uccabilene.org/">University Church of Christ</a> joined forces under the umbrella of Junior Achievement to teach basic skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Lee Elementary is made up of a student body from which 86% come from economically disadvantaged homes. This is an audience who can benefit not only from the skills and knowledge gleaned from the JA curriculum, but also from the inspiration they can receive from their JA volunteer!</p>
<p>
During the JA program, volunteers deliver <a href="https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/96281/33">age appropriate level curriculum</a> that correlates with grade level Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (state based standards). Through these programs, students learn basic economic education like: basic&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.42857;">American currency concepts, how money enters their home, how to differentiate between wants and needs, why saving money is important, how banks work, hot to use and avoid pitfalls of different forms of payments, how to potentially open your own business, and what types of industries help our region thrive. </span></p>
<p>
<span style="line-height: 1.42857;">On top of the practical “how to” knowledge, the students will all be allowed to dream. Perhaps the most important component of Junior Achievement is to inspire students. The JA mission is “to inspire and prepare students to succeed in a global economy.” It is easy for us to focus on how we prepare students. But, generally, when students talk about their JA experience, they often reflect on the inspiration part! </span></p>
<p>
<span style="line-height: 1.42857;">It is our hope that at the end of JA in a Day, every student at Lee will have a dream of what they can be in the real world!&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>
The JA of Abilene Board of Directors does wish to expand our programmatic reach to elementary schools with high percentage populations of economically disadvantaged students. Please reach out to our office at ja@jaabilene.org if you are interested in volunteering or being a financial sponsor for a classroom.</p>
<p>
Check out additional coverage from local media outlets and organizations ' internal newsletters:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Abilene Reporter News Article by Timothy Chipp</strong>&nbsp;- <a href="http://www.reporternews.com/news/education/financial-literacy-should-start-in-grade-school-abilene-experts-say-2c874f77-36f7-69ce-e053-0100007f-370051801.html">"Financial Literacy Should Start in Grade School"</a></li>
<li>
<strong>Abilene ISD Newsletter</strong>&nbsp;(Page 7) -&nbsp;<a href="http://abileneisd.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=1814&amp;dataid=33491&amp;FileName=FEBRUARY%2025%202016%20EDITION.pdf">"<span style="line-height: 1.42857;">Business Leaders Bring Financial</span>&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.42857;">Literacy Lessons to Lee Elementary"</span></a></li>
<li>
<strong>KXVA Fox Abilene </strong>- <a href="http://www.myfoxzone.com/story/31318262/aisd-students-learn-importance-of-money">"AISD Students Learn the Importance of Money Management"</a></li>
</ul>Evan Simmons2016-02-29T20:39:04ZFirst Financial Bank Provides A New Way to "Do" JAEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/first-financial-bank-provides-a-new-way-to-do-ja2016-03-01T17:16:14Z2016-02-29T19:57:02Z<p>
Students from <a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/domain/42">Abilene High School</a> and <a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/domain/81">Cooper High School</a> will receive a real treat in March. All AP Government and Economics students from <a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=1">Abilene Independent School District</a>'s largest high schools are invited to participate in JA's newest implementation model: Reverse JA in a Day.</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Apex+Capital+Reverse+JA+in+a+Day/dc2e4b3d-7d65-4ab1-8107-100ee048338f?t=1456776866612" style="width: 350px; height: 261px; float: right;" /></p>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 1.42857;">Traditionally, local business professionals who volunteer with a JA program will take the curriculum and materials provided by </span><a href="http://www.ja.org" style="line-height: 1.42857;">Junior Achievement</a><span style="line-height: 1.42857;"> into the local public school classroom once per week each week until all sessions (usually five to eight) are completed.&nbsp;</span></div>
<div>
<p>
T<span style="line-height: 1.42857;">he Reverse JA in a Day requires two tweaks to traditional JA programs.</span></p>
<p>
First, all five to eight sessions are delivered in one day - hence the name - JA in a Day!&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Second, we reverse the system. The JA volunteer no longer leaves their professional environment to enter the students' natural learning environment. Instead, the students visit the JA volunteer at work, take a tour of their facility, learn about their industry, and meet multiple volunteers from the same organization!</p>
<p>
Pictured above is a group of <a href="http://www.jafortworth.org">JA students from Fort Worth</a> attending a Reverse JA in a Day hosted by <a href="https://www.apexcapitalcorp.com/">Apex Capital</a>.</p>
<p>
On March 8<sup>th</sup> and 28<sup>th</sup> respectively, an approximate total of 130 high school seniors will attend a Reverse JA in a Day at <a href="http://ffin.com">First Financial Bank</a>'s Downtown Location. Students will spend the day with multiple high level employees engaged in the&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/JAPersFin2" target="_blank">JA Personal Finance<sup>®</sup></a>&nbsp;program, touring the First Financial Bank building, and learning about the importance of the banking industry.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
An added bonus for participating students? They will now be eligible to apply for a <a href="http://bit.ly/JA-ABIschol">JA Scholarship</a> provided by the JA of Abilene office thanks to partnerships with <a href="http://acu.edu/">Abilene Christian University</a>, <a href="https://www.hsutx.edu/">Hardin Simmons University</a>, <a href="http://ww2.mcm.edu/">McMurry University</a>, and the Willie I., Wanda, and W.F. Martin Trust Fund managed by <a href="https://www.ffin.com/first-financial-bank-trust-wealth-management-group">First Financial Trust &amp; Asset Management</a>.</p>
</div>Evan Simmons2016-02-29T19:57:02ZJA Breakfast - A Success!Evan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/ja-breakfast-a-success-2015-12-09T16:35:04Z2015-11-20T21:45:28Z<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/JA+Breakfast+Front/8dc4c054-f028-4505-94e8-c2e8b716e80e?t=1448037811698" style="width: 250px; height: 400px; float: left; margin: 5px;" />Junior Achievement of Abilene is excited to announce that the 5th Annual JA Breakfast was a huge success! As the culmination of our Inaugural Fall Campaign with both a crowdfunding and community-based need campaign, the JA Breakfast served well in the "clean up" position.</p>
<p>
The goal for the Fall Campaign with all three of these components was $41,000. Thanks to the generous financial gifts from individual supporters, corporate supporters, and foundations,<span style="color:#008000;"><strong> JA has raised $60,556 to date on the campaign! </strong></span>Please note that nearly $16,000 of this total is restricted to the local community-based need for which specifically raised: Sweetwater High School!</p>
<p>
At the JA Breakfast, local elementary school students from Austin and Lee Elementary Schools started off the morning right by swarming breakfast attendents dressed as JA Heroes wielding signs declaring their career aspirations. Guests heard from 8th grade students from various AISD middle school currently receiving JA It's My Future (Clack, Mann, &amp; Madison Middle Schools). These students shared how they could see a brighter future thanks to JA and their JA volunteers.</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Misti+Collier+-+JA+Breakfast/aad2cc7b-66e0-4a3a-a1a1-3dc2343ea228?t=1448056695568" style="width: 232px; height: 250px; float: right;" />Finally, Cooper High School students Daisha Gemarino &amp; Michael Thomlison introduced the keynote speaker of the event: Misti Collier of Abilene Banking Center (picture right). Misti shared the reason she is a JA volunteer: she grew up from a difficult background and chose to make her own future through hard work in the banking industry. This quote from Misti's speech shows exactly why guests left with a greater understanding of Junior Achievement: "<span style="line-height: 1.42857;">I tell my students this information about me </span><em style="line-height: 1.42857;">not</em><span style="line-height: 1.42857;"> </span><em style="line-height: 1.42857;">so they will feel sorry for me</em><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">, but to show them proof that they are in control of their future. </span><span style="color:#008000;"><strong style="line-height: 1.42857;">THIS is JA!</strong></span><span style="line-height: 1.42857;"> No matter where a student is currently, </span><span style="color:#008000;"><strong style="line-height: 1.42857;">they have the POWER to chase their dreams</strong></span><span style="line-height: 1.42857;"><span style="color:#008000;">! </span>I believe sharing some of my story with them allows them to put their guard down and helps them see that I am like them in many ways. It makes us relatable and at that point they realize I am not just another boring speaker they have to listen to. I explain the importance of branding yourself and how to discover that…and that opportunity looks a lot like hard work and there is no such thing as a “free lunch”…ever!&nbsp; JA isn’t judgmental…it speaks to all walks of life and can change the lives of our young people. JA loves diversity and is resourceful.&nbsp; </span><strong style="line-height: 1.42857;"><span style="color:#008000;">We NEED this program in our schools to motivate these students who don’t know what they are going to do in the future or where to begin</span></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.42857;">.</strong><strong style="line-height: 1.42857;">"</strong></p>
<p>
Those of us at JA of Abilene couldn't be prouder of a campaign that exceeded our goals by $20,000 and reached $60,000! Thanks to each of you who made this possible!</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Mann+2/8dc8e6df-7b3a-4af6-992e-a219db1851dd?t=1449678744668" style="width: 600px; height: 448px;" /></p>
<p>
8th grade students from Abilene ISD joined guests' tables at the JA Breakfast describing their JA experience. Pictured: Caezar Chavez from Mann Middle School</p>Evan Simmons2015-11-20T21:45:28ZJA Scholarship Student Highlight - Maggie BranchEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/ja-scholarship-student-highlight-maggie-branch2015-09-18T19:19:46Z2015-09-17T17:48:51Z<p>
Junior Achievement (JA) is excited to reward area students each school year with scholarship opportunities. This past year, <a href="http://bit.ly/15-JA_Schol">JA of Abilene provided 15 students with a sum of $88,000 in scholarship awards</a>. We look forward to introducing the 2015 scholarship recipients through this JA Blog series called "JA Scholarship Student Highlight" during the 2015 - 2016 school year.</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Maggie+Branch/bf515fa5-2cd6-4a19-bcaf-4ef79428fa3a?t=1442512072423" style="width: 250px; height: 278px; float: left; margin: 5px;" /></p>
<p>
<span style="line-height: 1.42857;"><strong>Maggie Branch </strong>(pictured left) is a 2015 graduate of <a href="http://schools.jimned.esc14.net/default.aspx?name=jnhs.home">Jim Ned High School </a>in Tuscola, Texas currently enrolled as a freshman at <a href="http://www.tamu.edu/">Texas A&amp;M University</a>. Maggie's accomplishments in high school include graduating as class Valedictorian, President of National Honor Society, Academic All-State in Cross Country and Basketball, Vice President in FFA (Jim Ned), involved in FFA for four years, and served as a&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">Peer Assistance &amp; Leadership (</span><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">PALS) volunteer. She was also a member of multiple athletics teams, faith related organizations, and other academic clubs. In addition to her long list of accomplishments and activities, Junior Achievement is proud to call Maggie a Junior Achievement alumna having received <a href="http://bit.ly/JACareerSxs">JA Career Success</a></span><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 0; color: rgb(0, 132, 77);">™ </span><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">as a senior.&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>
<span style="line-height: 1.42857;">Maggie describes herself as a "farm girl&nbsp;raised in a small town adjusting to a huge campus consisting of almost 60,000 students." She says "it will take me a long time to adjust, but the amazing thing about Aggies is that they treat each student as part of a&nbsp;gigantic family. Texas A&amp;M is&nbsp;definitely worth the adjustment!"</span></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14px;">We had a chance to sit down with Maggie, ask her a few questions, and record her responses. We hope you enjoy them!</span></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What influence did Junior Achievement have on you and your college plans?</strong></span></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Junior Achievement has helped me to look to the future with perspective.&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.42857;">I had always felt that my&nbsp;choice of major would&nbsp;ultimately make or break my future, which put a lot of stress on my decision. However, JA introduced me to occupational opportunities that I&nbsp;didn't even realize&nbsp;existed. They showed me people who were working in fields that were completely unrelated to the major that they&nbsp;received in college. I learned that the important thing is to be passionate about what&nbsp;you are doing, and not to&nbsp;stress about the future. This helped me make the decision to major in Agribusiness.</span><em style="line-height: 1.42857;">&nbsp;</em>Still, it is one thing for me to know what is going to be my major in college, but a completely different thing to know what I want to do for the rest of my life. The information that I learned from Junior Achievement helped me to piece together the future I have envisioned for myself.</em></span></p>
<p>
<strong style="line-height: 1.42857;">What did you like about your JA volunteer?</strong></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14px;"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Terrie Noland was excited about what she taught us. She always had some creative activity that helped to add perspective to the lesson she was teaching. She showed us how to properly speak in an interview, how to debate&nbsp;efficiently, how to stand up for what you&nbsp;believe in, and so much more! My whole class was always excited to see what we would be doing next.</span></em></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>What has been your biggest surprise about college?</strong></span></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14px;"><em><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">College is&nbsp;basically a&nbsp;restart button. What you did in high school is no longer relevant, and you have to work to rebuild both your social&nbsp;and academic life.</span></em></span></p>
<p>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<div>
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">How has JA helped you see the extent of your potential?</span></strong></span></div>
<div>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14px;"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">JA taught me that I&nbsp;don't&nbsp;have to compromise what I love for a more "practical" life. If I am willing to put in the effort, there are unlimited&nbsp;opportunities in this world for whatever I want to do.</span></em></span></p>
<p>
<strong style="line-height: 1.42857;"><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">What about your JA class affects the way you approach job opportunities?&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p>
<em style="line-height: 1.42857;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In JA I learned how to act professional in every aspect of my life. Knowing how to make a good first impression is so important, whether in social situations or at a job interview.</span></em></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>How did going through the JA Scholarship process affect your image of JA?</strong></span></p>
<p>
<em style="line-height: 1.42857;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">JA&nbsp;truly&nbsp;cares about the future of those they teach. They want to help raise an educated&nbsp;and&nbsp;responsible generation, and their financial contribution only adds to this truth. I am so grateful for the aid JA has given me in paying for my education. The fact that others believe in me has made me more determined in my studies in college.</span></em></p>
<p>
Maggie, we at Junior Achievement do believe in you. We are excited to see what our future holds with people like you in leadership!</p>
<p>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p>
<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>Evan Simmons2015-09-17T17:48:51ZJA Fall Campaign 2015 - "Adopt" a JA Kid for $25Evan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/ja-fall-campaign-2015-adopt-a-ja-kid-for-252015-09-08T20:15:20Z2015-09-08T14:09:48Z<p style="text-align: justify;">
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/JA+Fall+Campaign/0dca3aa9-81ad-4c9a-bf1c-2bb23b28f3ea?t=1440597955000" style="width: 650px; height: 195px; float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px;" /><img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Money+on+Trees/a316a5a9-71fa-486b-bf99-f451a2820faa?t=1441743166506" style="width: 250px; height: 250px; float: right; margin: 5px;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
One important life lesson for all kids to learn is the answer to the age-old question, "Where does money come from?"&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
We all learn pretty early that money doesn't grow on trees, isn't usually given without cause, and, in general, can complicate things. At Junior Achievement, we like teaching young people financial literacy and work readiness lessons not just to teach them important lessons, but to see them own their future success.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Junior Achievement focuses on providing financial education to children at an early age to prevent them from developing bad habits and becoming financially illiterate adults. Just as vocabulary, reading and communication skills gain in sophistication over the years through sequential and age-appropriate curricula and application, so must financial literacy education begin at an early age to ensure individuals form sound financial management skills and habits that will last a lifetime.</p>
<p>
<span style="color: rgb(0, 132, 77); font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.1;">Do you want to be part of the movement to EMPOWER THE FUTURE?</span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 132, 77); font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.1;"> <a href="http://jaabilene.mydagsite.com">Click Here to Donate Now!</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>At the expense of $25 / student</strong>, JA programs will impact over 5,000 students in the 2015 - 2016 school year. Your partnership will support existing JA programs and extend our reach by making new programs possible one student at a time!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Junior Achievement of Abilene (JA) is the Big Country's representation of the world's largest organization dedicated to economic education for young people. In the Big Country since 1983, Junior Achievement reaches about 5,000 Kindergarten through 12th grade Big Country students through about 200 volunteers each school year.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
By reaching our goal of $35,000 this fall, JA will be able to provide nearly 6,000 Big Country students with life changing financial skills and knowledge.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
JA is on the verge of some really significant progress in Abilene and surrounding communities as we introduce or continue financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship programs in 8 school districts: Abilene, Baird, Brownwood, Clyde, Eula, Jim Ned, Sweetwater, and Wylie.</p>
<p>
<strong>It's easy for you; Life changing for them.</strong> <a href="http://www.jaabilene.mydagsite.com">"Adopt" a JA Kid today - www.jaabilene.mydagsite.com</a>.</p>Evan Simmons2015-09-08T14:09:48ZEmpower a Young Person to DreamEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/empower-a-young-person-to-dream2016-01-27T06:25:27Z2015-09-02T22:06:47Z<p style="text-align: justify;">
<em>This post is written by JA of Abilene Executive Director, Evan Simmons, &nbsp;and was originally published on September 3, 2015. It has been updated as of January 26, 2016.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
People often ask me “what is Junior Achievement?” My quick response is that Junior Achievement (JA) is a non-profit organization seeking to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy through volunteer delivered financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness education programs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Dreams+take+Flight/3280433e-4e13-4311-aa52-c154da81d87c?t=1441289044159" style="width: 175px; height: 175px; float: left; margin: 3px;" />What I hope people do<em> not</em> hear is that I am an expert in teaching teens how to balance a check book. What I hope they catch is that <strong>JA is about experienced business professionals who spend&nbsp;<em>their</em> time sharing <em>their </em>expertise and experiences <em>inspiring</em> young people</strong> (Kindergarten through 12<sup>th</sup> grade students)<strong> to dream about their <em>own</em> futures.</strong> Junior Achievement is about giving knowledge and skills young people need today to succeed tomorrow. But it’s also about opening an entire world of possibilities and potential that students may not have known was available!&nbsp;</p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mariceljn/photos/a.1391259157796892.1073741828.1390621021194039/1546960012226805/?type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Maricel%27s+Flower/5a5341b5-8b8e-4e13-b0b5-13a257f126d0?t=1441289414688" style="border-width: 3px; border-style: solid; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15.4px; text-align: justify; width: 150px; height: 200px; float: right; margin-left: 3px; margin-right: 3px;" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Entrepreneur&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mariceljn?fref=ts">Maricel Johns</a>&nbsp;</strong>said this about her experience after volunteering with JA for her first time teaching&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/JA_Fam">JA Our Families<sup>®</sup></a>&nbsp;with a first grade class: “I ran into one of the first graders and her mom at a retail store later that evening. Her mother told me that she would not stop talking about the lessons that I taught her that day. It was fulfilling to see that I had an impact in her life.” Later, Maricel volunteered came back, this time in a fourth grade classroom, teaching&nbsp;<a href="https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/programs?p_p_id=56_INSTANCE_abcd&amp;p_p_lifecycle=0&amp;p_p_state=maximized&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_col_id=ja-column-right&amp;p_p_col_count=1&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_groupId=14516&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_articleId=19331">JA Our Region<sup>®</sup></a>. She said&nbsp;she “ … learned that children – no matter their age – can get excited to learn about financial literacy.”&nbsp;<strong>A highlight for her is when “one student brought me a flower after recess - so sweet!”&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
Another first time JA volunteer – <strong>Dean Pye</strong>, a Licensed Marriage Family Therapy Associate – said, “I loved the experience of interacting with the students. <strong>Their eagerness to learn and creative spirits were apparent as soon as they walked in the room.</strong> I was impressed by how much they wanted to learn about business concepts and how quickly they grasped them. I remember thinking how cool it would have been to have received the <a href="https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/programs?p_p_id=56_INSTANCE_abcd&amp;p_p_lifecycle=0&amp;p_p_state=maximized&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_col_id=ja-column-right&amp;p_p_col_count=1&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_groupId=14516&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_articleId=19436">JA It’s My Business</a><sup>®</sup> program when I was in the sixth grade.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Maggie Branch</strong>, <a href="http://www.jimned.esc14.net/">Jim Ned High School</a> graduate (2015) and <a href="http://bit.ly/15-JA_Schol">JA scholarship</a> recipient attending <a href="https://www.tamu.edu/">Texas A&amp;M University</a>, said this about her <a href="http://bit.ly/JACareerSxs">JA Career Success</a><sup><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 0px;">®&nbsp;</span></sup><span style="line-height: 1.428571429;">volunteer – </span><strong style="line-height: 1.428571429;">Terrie Noland</strong><span style="line-height: 1.428571429;"> of Tuscola, TX: “Terrie was excited about what she taught us, always had some creative activity that helped to add perspective to the lesson she was teaching, and showed us how to properly speak in an interview, debate effectively, and stand up for what we believe in. </span><strong style="line-height: 1.428571429;">My whole class was always excited to see what we would be doing next.</strong><span style="line-height: 1.428571429;">”</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
JA is about inspiring people to dream about what they can become. JA is about empowering them to create a better future. <a href="http://bit.ly/JAvolnow">Empower the future today by becoming a JA volunteer – CLICK THIS LINK.</a>&nbsp;It's easy for you. It's life changing for them.</p>
<p>
<strong>Spring 2015 JA Volunteer Needs:</strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAMyFuture">JA It's My Future</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®</span></span>&nbsp;(7th grade) at Clyde Junior High School</li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JACareerSxs">JA Career Success</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®</span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;(10th grade) at&nbsp;<a href="http://schools.clyde.esc14.net/default.aspx?name=04.home">Clyde High School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/programs?p_p_id=56_INSTANCE_abcd&amp;p_p_lifecycle=0&amp;p_p_state=maximized&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_col_id=ja-column-right&amp;p_p_col_count=1&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_groupId=14516&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_articleId=19436">JA It's My Business</a><sup><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 0px;">®</span></sup>(6th grade) at <a href="http://wyliems.ss7.sharpschool.com/">Wylie Middle School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAMyFuture">JA It's My Future</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®</span></span>&nbsp;(8th grade) at <a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/domain/315">Craig Middle School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAOurCity">JA Our City</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®&nbsp;</span></span>(3rd grade) at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/Domain/349">Austin Elementary School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAOurCity">JA Our City</a><sup><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 0px;">®&nbsp;</span></sup>(3rd grade) at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/domain/632">Lee Elementary School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAOurCity">JA Our City</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®&nbsp;</span></span>(3rd grade) at <a href="http://wylieint.ss7.sharpschool.com/">Wylie Intermediate School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JA_Comm">JA Our Community</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®</span></span>&nbsp;(2nd Grade)&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/Domain/349">Austin Elementary School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JA_Comm">JA Our Community</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®</span></span>&nbsp;(2nd Grade)&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/domain/632">Lee Elementary School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JA_Comm">JA Our Community</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®</span></span>&nbsp;(2nd Grade)&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/domain/739">Taylor Elementary School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JA_Fam">JA Our Families</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®</span></span>&nbsp;(1st Grade)&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/Domain/349">Austin Elementary School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JA_Fam">JA Our Families</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®</span></span>&nbsp;(1st Grade)&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/domain/632">Lee Elementary School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAnation">JA Our Nation</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®&nbsp;</span></span>(5th Grade)&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/Domain/349">Austin Elementary School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAnation">JA Our Nation</a><sup><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 0px;">®&nbsp;</span></sup>(5th Grade)&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/domain/632">Lee Elementary School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAnation">JA Our Nation</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®&nbsp;</span></span>(5th Grade)&nbsp;&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://wyliems.ss7.sharpschool.com/">Wylie Middle School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAregion">JA Our Region</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®&nbsp;</span></span>(4th Grade)&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/Domain/349">Austin Elementary School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAregion">JA Our Region</a><sup><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 0px;">®&nbsp;</span></sup>(4th Grade)&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/domain/632">Lee Elementary School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAregion">JA Our Region</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®&nbsp;</span></span>(4th Grade)&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://wylieint.ss7.sharpschool.com/">Wylie Intermediate School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JA_Kin">JA Ourselves</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®&nbsp;</span></span>(Kindergarten)&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/Domain/349">Austin Elementary School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JA_Kin">JA Ourselves</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®&nbsp;</span></span>(Kindergarten)&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/domain/632">Lee Elementary School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAPersFin">JA Personal Finance<span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px;">®</span>&nbsp;</span></a>(12th grade) at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abileneisd.org/Domain/42">Abilene High School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAPersFin">JA Personal Finance<span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px;">®</span>&nbsp;</span></a>(12th grade) at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bairdisd.net/">Baird High School</a></li>
<li>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAPersFin2">JA Personal Finance - Blended</a><span style="position: relative; font-size: 10.5px; line-height: 0; vertical-align: baseline; top: -0.5em;"><span style="font-size: 11px;">®</span></span>&nbsp;(12th grade) at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.brownwoodisd.org/Domain/73">Brownwood High School</a></li>
</ul>Evan Simmons2015-09-02T22:06:47Z2014 - 2015 JA Annual Report ReleasedEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/2014-2015-ja-annual-report-released2015-08-14T18:31:59Z2015-08-14T02:06:49Z<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/JA+Annual+Report+Cover/612260c6-32c3-499a-95c9-1ddb832c031c?t=1439517966586" style="width: 386px; height: 500px; float: left; border-width: 5px; border-style: solid; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;" />Be sure to check out 2014 - 2015 Annual JA Report. This report highlights JA Abilene's staff transitions and program highlights from last year. There is also a sneak peak at big plans for the future. Thank you for making 2014 - 2015 such a great year!</p>
<p>
<a href="http://www/jaabilene.org/documents/96281/0/JA+Abilene+Annual+Report+2014-2015/93fd5393-3c63-4759-9dc9-8e5f308dcceb">2</a><a href="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/JA+Abilene+Annual+Report+2014-2015/93fd5393-3c63-4759-9dc9-8e5f308dcceb">014 - 2015 JA Abilene Annual Report</a></p>Evan Simmons2015-08-14T02:06:49ZJA Programs Begin in Baird, TexasEvan Simmonshttps://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/ja-in-the-news/-/blogs/ja-programs-begin-in-baird-texas2015-08-05T03:04:49Z2015-08-05T02:47:57Z<p>
<img alt="" src="https://www.juniorachievement.org/documents/96281/0/Kelly+McLaughlin/5d8cae8b-19ab-4df1-a38f-e41324a1d879?t=1438742369000" style="width: 250px; height: 350px; float: left; margin-right: 5px; margin-left: 5px;" /></p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-usa/home">Junior Achievement </a>(JA) is very proud of our economic education programs focused in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Still, we are quick to acknowledge that what makes Junior Achievement special is the use of local volunteers in local schools in order to empower the future! Kelley McLaughlin is no exception.</p>
<p>
Kelley McLaughlin of <a href="https://www.go2fbt.com/">First Bank Texas</a> in <a href="http://www.bairdchamber.com/">Baird </a>jumped at the opportunity to become a JA volunteer this past spring semester. Kelley became the first JA mentor to walk the halls of <a href="http://www.bairdisd.net/">Baird High School</a>! After an exciting call from JA Alumna, now Baird ISD Counselor – Mrs. Jennifer Bellar, requesting&nbsp; JA programming at Baird High School last spring, Kelley made the request a reality by bringing <a href="https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-usa/ja-programs?p_p_id=56_INSTANCE_abcd&amp;p_p_lifecycle=0&amp;p_p_state=maximized&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_col_id=ja-column-1&amp;p_p_col_count=1&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_groupId=14516&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_articleId=19571">JA Personal Finance®</a> to the Senior Economics class taught by Mr. Jeff Campbell.</p>
<p>
In describing her experience, Kelley says this:</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<em style="line-height: 1.428571429;">Kids are far more responsible for their future than when I was a kid. As a parent, banker, and now JA volunteer, I was convicted to put more emphasis on retirement and emergency funds. Still, young people do not think in these ways and I am happy JA gave me the opportunity to bring this to their attention.</em></p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<em style="line-height: 1.428571429;">This information is so important at the high school level since most 18 year-olds are just beginning.&nbsp;They have a clean slate.&nbsp;We need to warn them against practices that make life difficult. We need to teach them practices that will prepare them for when life happens.&nbsp;No one wants to think about loss of income, loss of a spouse, major illnesses; but that’s life.&nbsp;I hope I taught them how to differentiate between “wants and needs” and how dangerous it is to succumb to instant gratification.</em></p>
<p>
Mr. Campbell added that Junior Achievement was helpful to him as a teacher because it gave him the resource for “the students to obtain a better understanding from someone who is actively a part of the business community in Baird. It helped that [Kelley] had great presentations and supplemental supplies to use with the students that really helped them acquire a greater knowledge of what she was presenting each day. The students and I mutually enjoyed JA Personal Finance.”</p>
<p>
When asked why someone ought to consider volunteering, Kelley replied, “Kids are awesome!&nbsp;I had forgotten how much fun they can be. They are eager to learn, creative, and insightful.&nbsp;Personal finance and the best practices are not commonly taught, and I could see the wheels turning in some of the kids’ minds. They wanted to know the information taught in this program!” She added this thought when considering the importance of continuing the JA Personal Finance program at Baird High School next year, “Though most of the kids are more advanced in this area (personal finance) than I was [at their age], some of the concepts were completely foreign to them.&nbsp;As a banker, I can attest that most adults and parents do not practice the concepts taught in this course. If that is not something the kids see from mom and dad, where else would they learn it except for at school?” Now with JA Personal Finance, Kelley has a vehicle through which she can continue teaching financial literacy to Baird’s seniors.</p>
<p>
As a result of Junior Achievement’s presence on the Baird High School campus, two students (Garrett Deel and Kara McIntire) applied for and received a scholarship from the <a href="https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-abilene/blog/-/blogs/ja-of-abilene-awards-88-000-among-15-big-country-students?_33_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.juniorachievement.org%2Fweb%2Fja-abilene%2Fblog%3Fp_p_id%3D33%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dja-column-right%26p_p_col_count%3D1">Willie I., Wanda, and W.F. Martin Charitable Trust</a> in the amount of $4,000 each, paid out over four years.</p>
<p>
Looking ahead, Junior Achievement of Abilene and Baird ISD are excited to introduce three programs in addition to the existing JA Personal Finance program for the upcoming 2015 – 2016 school year: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2el66gi2jY">JA Finance Park – Virtual </a>(6<sup>th</sup> Grade), <a href="https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-usa/ja-programs?p_p_id=56_INSTANCE_abcd&amp;p_p_lifecycle=0&amp;p_p_state=maximized&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_col_id=ja-column-1&amp;p_p_col_count=1&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_groupId=14516&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_articleId=55705">JA It’s My Future</a> (8<sup>th</sup> Grade), and <a href="https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-usa/ja-programs?p_p_id=56_INSTANCE_abcd&amp;p_p_lifecycle=0&amp;p_p_state=maximized&amp;p_p_mode=view&amp;p_p_col_id=ja-column-1&amp;p_p_col_count=1&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_groupId=14516&amp;_56_INSTANCE_abcd_articleId=55620">JA Career Success</a> (9<sup>th</sup> Grade).</p>
<p>
<a href="http://bit.ly/JAvolnow">SIGN-UP NOW </a>to join Kelley in empowering young people as a JA volunteer!</p>Evan Simmons2015-08-05T02:47:57Z